Brecon and Radnorshire MP Chris Davies says a Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary’s comments about the use of Union Jacks at the Royal Welsh Show are “extremely concerning”.

Environment Secretary Lesley Griffiths AM said she didn’t want to see “the Union Jack all over the Royal Welsh Show Food Hall” during a Welsh Assembly Committee.

Ms Griffiths clashed with former Welsh Assembly Conservative Leader Andrew RT Davies saying she was “disappointed” to see DEFRA’s marketing campaign in the food hall of Europe’s biggest agricultural show and is keen to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.

Welsh Assembly members Lesley Griffiths and Andrew RT Davies (Images: Mike Sheridan/Phil Blagg)

DEFRA is the Whitehall department in charge of farming in England which isn’t responsible for Welsh agriculture.

The Environment Secretary said the Royal Welsh Show is “a big window” for Welsh food and produce businesses where millions of pounds-worth of investment is made.

Chris Davies MP who’s constituency hosts the Royal Welsh Show said Mrs Griffiths’ comments were extremely concerning and shows the Welsh Government’s anti-British stance and sympathetic attitude towards Welsh nationalism.

He said: “Wales is an integral part of the United Kingdom. A nation which is renowned the world over for its standards and quality of products. Lesley Griffiths’ comments would seem too many that the Welsh Government are ashamed of being part of the United Kingdom. The Labour Liberal Coalition in Cardiff Bay sound more like Plaid Cymru than the Unionist parties they are supposed to be.

“The United Kingdom is Welsh produce’s biggest market. The Cabinet Secretary surely must recognise that having both Welsh and Great Britain branding on products will increase the chances of Welsh goods being sold across the World.

“As a proud Welshman and Briton, I am proud that we promote our products as British and Welsh. I hope Lesley Griffiths retracts her nationalistic comments and makes a statement celebrating the Royal Welsh Show and all it brings to Mid Wales. A part of the country which receives very little in terms of investment by the Welsh Assembly in comparison with South Wales.”

Brecon and Radnorshire MP Chris Davies (Image: Phil Blagg)

Tory AM Andrew RT Davies challenged Ms Griffiths to clarify her comments about the Royal Welsh Show and reminded her that Wales is a part of the United Kingdom.

He said that he would like to see greater collaboration to promote both Wales and the UK.

A DEFRA spokesperson said: “The government’s Food is GREAT campaign highlights the very best food and drink from all parts of the UK, including Wales. The campaign provides a global shop window for our world-class producers, such as renowned Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef.”